BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 16. Iran’s Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two vessels in the
Strait of Hormuz after they allegedly attempted to pass through
Iranian waters without authorization, Trend reports via IRGC.
According to information, the ships, identified as Israel-linked
“MSC-FRANCESCA” and “EPAMINODES”, ignored repeated warnings from
the corps’ naval forces and attempted to transit the waterway
covertly. The vessels were subsequently intercepted and redirected
into Iranian waters for document inspection.
“Once again, it is emphasized that Iranian laws governing
passage through the Strait of Hormuz and any actions contrary to
safe transit along this strategic route are consistently enforced
by the IRGC Navy, and violators will face measures within the legal
framework,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, as no tangible progress was made in the nuclear
negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the situation escalated on
February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military
airstrikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran initiated missile and
drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. installations in the
region. Following these developments, a two-week ceasefire
agreement was brokered on April 7 through Pakistan's mediation.
However, during subsequent talks between the U.S. and Iran in
Islamabad on April 11, no consensus was reached.
On April 21, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he extended
the ceasefire until Iran submits its proposal and discussions are
concluded, one way or the other.
The United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports on
April 13. In response, Iran tightened restrictions on vessels
transiting the Strait of Hormuz on April 18.
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